Storm Chandra continues to unleash severe disruption across the United Kingdom, with the South West region facing particularly intense conditions. Major travel chaos has ensued this morning following the closure of a critical transport link.
Severn Bridge Shut Amid Dangerous Winds
The M48 Severn Crossing, a vital artery used by more than 32,000 vehicles every day, has been closed in both directions. This decisive action was taken in the early hours due to the high and hazardous winds generated by Storm Chandra, severely impacting commuters and freight movement between England and Wales.
National Highways confirmed the closure, stating the bridge is shut between Junction 2 at Chepstow and Junction 1 at Aust. All traffic is being diverted to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternative crossing point.
Safety First: Why the Severn Bridge is Vulnerable
A spokesperson for National Highways emphasised that public and workforce safety is the paramount concern. "During windy conditions, the Severn Estuary can funnel strong gusts across the bridges, which can be hazardous to traffic," they explained.
The agency detailed the structural differences that make the older M48 Severn Bridge more susceptible than its modern counterpart. "The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge has barriers which reduce the effects of wind. The older M48 Severn Bridge doesn't have these barriers."
Operational protocols are clear: the M48 bridge closes to all traffic when gusts are expected to exceed 40 knots (46 mph). If wind speeds surpass 70 knots (80 mph), both the Severn and Prince of Wales bridges are shut, with traffic diverted via the M5, M50, A40, and A449 routes.
Widespread Disruption Beyond the Bridge
The closure of the Severn Bridge is just one element of the widespread chaos caused by Storm Chandra. Heavy, persistent rain has led to saturated ground and significant flooding across parts of Dorset, Somerset, and east Devon.
Several other major roads are currently impassable, including:
- The A30 in East Devon
- The A303 at the Somerset and Devon border
- The A35 in Dorset
Further north, the Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire has been closed to high-sided vehicles. National Rail has also issued warnings that poor weather may continue to affect South Western Railway services throughout the day.
Flood Warnings and Severe Weather Alerts
The Environment Agency has issued a total of 97 flood warnings across England, with the majority concentrated in the South West. Additional flood alerts are in place for Wales and parts of Scotland.
The Met Office has enforced a series of severe weather warnings, noting that Storm Chandra arrived shortly after the country was battered by Storms Goretti and Ingrid. An amber warning for rain and flooding, along with yellow warnings for rain and wind, are currently impacting south-west England.
Amber warnings have also been issued for heavy rain in England's south-west and for strong winds along the eastern coast of Northern Ireland, where gusts of 60–70mph are expected, potentially reaching 75mph in coastal areas.
Forecast and Ongoing Hazards
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen provided a detailed outlook on the complex weather system. "Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and south-west Wales, with gusts of 70 to 80mph possible," he said.
He highlighted the compounding risk of heavy rain falling on already saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. As the storm interacts with colder air further north, a significant snow hazard emerges.
"Snow becomes a hazard, with 10–20cm possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands," Gundersen added, urging the public to stay updated with forecasts and local warnings.
The amber and yellow warnings for south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset, and south-east Cornwall remain in place until 9am Tuesday, with the yellow rain warning expiring at 10am and the wind warning concluding at 4pm.
